2017 TESLA MODEL S brake fluid

Braking Systems
Model S has an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking when you apply maximum brake pressure. This
improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on
the instrument panel when you firststart Model S. If this indicator lights
up at any other time, an ABS fault
has occurred and the ABS is not
operating. Contact Tesla. The braking system remains fully operational and
is not
affected by an ABS failure.
However, braking distances may increase.
If the instrument panel displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying
briefly when you first start
Model S, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake
fluid level is
low. Contact Tesla immediately.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and maintain
firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and be
aware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between the tires and the road).
If Model S is equipped with Autopilot
hardware, Automatic Emergency Braking
automatically applies full braking in situations
where a collision is considered imminent (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 86).
Brake Wear Model S brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their
service life and require replacement. To stop
the squealing, contact Tesla Service.
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads results in damage to the
braking system and can create a braking
hazard.
Brakes
54Model S Owner

Cleaning the ExteriorTo prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc). Do not wait until
Model S is due for a complete wash. If
necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove
tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then
immediately wash the area with water and a
mild, non-detergent soap to remove the
alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model S:
1. Rinse Thoroughly Before washing,
flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel
arches and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during
winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of thevehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model S using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, good quality car
shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCaution: Do not use windshield treatmentfluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.Caution: Do not use hot water and
detergents.Caution: In hot weather, do not wash in direct sunlight.Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm)
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model S. Keep the nozzle moving and do
not concentrate the water jet on any one
area.Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door or hood seals, or through
wheel apertures onto brake components.Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.Caution: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes,
etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model S.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.Caution: Do not use chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the
finish on the wheels.
Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the rear view camera or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.
Cleaning
148Model S Owner

Checking Brake FluidWarning: Contact Tesla immediately if you
notice increased movement of the brake
pedal or a
significant loss of brake fluid.Driving under these conditions can result in extended stopping distances or
complete brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the
instrument panel alerts you if the
quantity of
fluid in the brake
reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays
while driving, stop as soon as safety
permits by gently applying the
brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the brake
fluid level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 153).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir
without removing the
filler cap.
The brake
fluid level should always be
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
Note: Although brake
fluid level drops slightly
during normal use as a result of brake pad
wear, it should not drop below the MIN mark.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake
fluid. Tesla service
does this when you bring Model S in for
regular servicing. The following instructions
are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1. Clean the filler cap before removing to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove.
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark using brake
fluid meeting DOT3specifications.4. Replace the filler cap.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a sealed
air-tight container. Never use previously
used
fluid or fluid from a previously
opened container

AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 54
Acceleration (dual-motor) 95
access panel, removing 153accessoriesinstalling 157
plugging into power socket 112
adaptive headlights 51
air circulation 103
air conditioning 102
air distribution 103
air
filter 105
air suspension 107
air vents 105
airbags 31
alarm 122
all-season tires 141
always connected, setting 62
anti-lock braking (ABS) 54
audioplaying files 108
steering wheel buttons 37
volume control 108
Auto High Beam 51
Auto Lane Change 76
auto-raising suspension 106
automatic emergency braking 85
Autopark 78
Autopilot 65
Autosteer 73
average range 62
B backup camera 64
battery (12V)complete discharge 130specifications 164Battery (high voltage)care of 130
coolant 153
specifications 165
temperature limits 130
battery (key), replacing 5
blind spot warning 83
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 111
general information 113
phone, pairing and using 113
body repairs 157
body touch up 150
brake
fluid replacement 137
brakesautomatic in emergencies 85fluid level 154
overview of 54
specifications 164
brightness of displays 98
C Cabin Overheat Protection setting 98
cabin temperature control 102
Calendar app 120
California Proposition 65 177
camera (rear view) 64
car cover 150
car washes 148
cargo volume 162
carpets, cleaning 149
CE
certifications 179
CHAdeMO 129
chains 141
change of ownership 101
charge port 131
charge port light 134
chargingcharge settings 135
components and equipment 128
instructions 131
public charging stations 129
scheduling 135
status of 136
charging locations, finding 116
child protectiondisabling liftgate and rear door handles 7
disabling rear window switches 9child seatscleaning 149
installing and using 22
Tesla built-in rear facing 27
cleaning 148
climate controls 102
Cold Weather controls 95
collision avoidance assist 85
console12V power socket 112
cup holders 16
USB ports 111
consumption chart 62
contact informationroadside assistance 171
Tesla 178coolantBattery, checking level of 153
Battery, replacement interval 137
copyrights 175, 176
Creep 95
cruise control 67
cup holders 16
D
dashboard overview 2
Index
Index181

data recording 177
day mode 98
declarations of conformity 179
delivery mileage 177devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 111
connecting 111
playing audio
files from 110
dimensions 161
display brightness 98
dome (map) lights 48
door handles 6
door labels 159
Door Unlock Mode 6
doors 4
doors, opening 4
Drive gear 42
drive-away locking 7
driverprofiles 35
seat adjustment 17driver assistanceAuto Lane Change 76
automatic emergency braking 85
Autopark 78
Autosteer 73
blind spot warning 83
collision avoidance assist 85
forward collision warning 85
overtake acceleration 67
overview 65
settings for 98
side collision avoidance 83
side collision warning 83
staying inside lane markings 83
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 67
drivingseating position 17
starting 41
tips to maximize range 62
E
electric parking brake 55
emergency
flashers 52
emergency rear door opening 8
emission label 158
energygained from regenerative braking 55
range information 43
energy & charging setting 98
Energy app 62
energy saving mode 62
Erase & Reset 101
event data recording 177
exteriorcar cover 150
cleaning 148exterior (continued)dimensions 161
lights 48
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 150
F
factory defaults, restoring 101
factory reset 101
fan speed, interior 103
favorite destinations 118
Favorites 115
Favorites (Media Player) 110
FCC
certifications 179
features, downloading new 126
ferries, avoiding 117
firmware (software) updates 126flash drives, playing audio files from 110flashers, warning 52flat tire repair 144floor mats 150
fluidsreplacement intervals 137
reservoirs, checking 153
fog lights 48
forward collision warning 85
front passenger detection 33
front trunk 12
G
garage doors, opening 123
gates, opening 123
GAWR 159
gears 42
glove box 14
Gross Axle Weight Rating 159
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 159
ground clearance 161
GVWR 159
H hazard warning
flashers 52
head supports 18
headlightsadaptive 51
after exit 51
high beams 51
heated wipers 53
heating 102
height adjustments (suspension)auto-raising 106
automatic and manual settings 107
disabling (Jack mode) 107
Index
182Model S Owner

high beam headlights 51high voltageBattery specifications 165
components 128
safety 137
hills, stopping on 59
hitches 160
Home location 118
HomeLinkFCC certification 180
programming and using 123
hood 12
horn 37, 39
I
IC
certifications 179
Ideal range 98
identification labels 158
Insane setting (dual-motor) 95
instant range 62
instrument panelcharging status 136
cleaning 149
overview of 43interiorcleaning 149
dimensions 161
lights 48
overview 2
temperature control 102
Internet radio 109
intrusion detection 122
J
J1772 129
Jack mode 107
jacking 156
K
keyFCC and IC certifications 179
how to use 4
key not inside 41
ordering extras 5
replacing battery 5
keyless entry 4
L
labelTire and Loading Information 159
vehicle certification 159lane assist 83
lane change flash 52
lane change, automatic 76
lane departure warning 83
language setting 98
LATCH child seats, installing 25
Launch Mode 60liftgateadjust opening height 10
opening 10
lifting 156
lightsadaptive headlights 51
hazard warning 52
headlights after exit 51
turn signals 52
load limits 159
location-based suspension 106
locking and unlocking doors 4
Ludicrous setting (dual-motor) 95
lumbar support 17
M
maintenancebrake fluid, checking 154
cleaning 148
daily and monthly checks 137
fluid replacement intervals 137
panel, removing 153
replacing wiper blades 151
service intervals 137
tires 138
washer
fluid, topping up 155
washer jets, cleaning 151
map updates 119
maps 115
mats 150
Max Battery Power 95
media 108
mileage upon delivery 177
mirrors 40
mobile app 127
Mobile Connectordescription 129
using 131
modifications 157
motor specifications 163
N naming 101
navigation 115
NCC
certifications 179
Neutral gear 42
NHTSA, contacting 178
night mode 98
Index
Index183